During this period, several small explosions and occasional rockfalls have occurred, and there has been a continuation of the intense hybrid seismicity observed since Tuesday. The most notable events were at 21:13 on 14 April and 07:38 on 15 April, both producing moderate ash clouds.
The level of seismic activity has remained fairly constant during the last 24 hours, with a slight decrease in the number of events recorded but a slight increase in their size.
There was good visibility for much of the afternoon. Observations show that there is continued growth of the dome, mainly in the central part. The western flank, near Gages Wall, shows no change. A helicopter inspection in the afternoon showed that steam emissions are concentrated on the top of the dome and on it's south-western and north-eastern flanks. There was also a moderate amount of Sulphur Dioxide gas emission from the south-western flank. The rockfall activity seems to be concentrated on the steep eastern flank of the dome, which is very unstable. There is also some rockfall activity on the south-western flank, below the remnants of the old spine. The size of the spine has not changed much in the last 24 hours, although it is still highly fractured. A new small spiky spine has appeared to the east of the old one.
EDM measurements were made on the eastern and northern triangles. Preliminary processing of the results from the eastern triangle shows small movements, consistent with the long-term trend of about 1 mm/day seen since mid-November 1995. Results for the northern triangle are not yet available.
The situation at the Soufriere Hills volcano remains highly dangerous, and further major explosive activity could commence with little warning. The MVO scientists continue to urge that visits to the evacuated zone are kept to a minimum. The Tar River, Long Ground and Whites areas remain very dangerous, and people are advised not to enter these areas under any circumstances.